Primary schools across the island have taken part in Britain’s National Walk to School Week.

Laxey School, which organised two ’walking buses’ was motivated to undertake the challenge due to issues of traffic congestion, with headteacher Max Kelly having previously had to call in the police to monitor traffic around the school.

The whole of Onchan School also took part in a sponsored walk around Molly Quirk’s Glen, raising more than £2,000 for the children’s charity Isle of Play -with donations still coming in.

Onchan School’s car park had barely any cars as teachers also joined in with the walk to school week. Physical education leader Leah Crowe said: ’Improving children’s daily exercise was a huge motive for us.

’Walk to School Week is a nationwide event that encourages children to reach their 60 minutes of exercise each day.

’As screen time is increasing for all children, last year we decided to participate in Walk to School Week to discuss the importance of daily exercise and show our children outdoor areas to visit near their home.

’Our sponsored walk was a huge success in reintroducing Molly Quirk’s Glen to our children as an area to explore with their families and friends.

’The event has been such a success that we hope to continue it annually.

’It is a lovely way to start the year and introduce our reception class [aged four and five] children to Onchan School and come together as Team Onchan.’

Deputy headteacher Michael Kinmond added: ’Despite the challenging Manx weather for a few mornings this week, it has been wonderful to see so many children, parents and staff deciding to leave their cars at home and embrace walking to school. Walking instead of driving to school has so many benefits for our children.

’It energises them at the start of the day, aids their focus and concentration whilst providing social opportunities if walking with friends and family members.

’When more and more children and parents walk to school it cuts the congestion levels and therefore improves safety for our children and their families around School Road and Main Road in Onchan.’

Other schools that took part included Peel Clothworkers’, Ballaugh, Marown, St John’s, Foxdale, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, Kirk Michael and Ashley Hill in Onchan.